John was excited. It was his last evening on the boat. Just a few hours away from landing in Cape Town, South Africa, where he would finally fight the Boers for his country. He had managed to follow his training as well as serving Captain Crawley, even though he had had to sleep less in order to accomplish everything he was tasked with during the day.
He was tired and the signs were starting to show. His sleep deprivation added to the intensity of his training had left dark circles under his eyes. But he couldn't flinch now, so close to his goal.
As he started tidying up Captain Crawley's office, he felt yet again drawn by the books lying in his library. As he began motioning towards it, the door opened. John turned back quickly, feigning dusting the old wooden shelves, his cheeks burning up. If Robert had seen him, then he didn't say anything about it.
"Ah! Bates! You're already here, very good! I wanted to ask you if you would want to assist me for my meeting with the other officers in an hour. I'd like for you to listen, take notes and give me your thoughts on it later."
John's cheeks blushed even more.
"I'd like that very much, sir."
The meeting had gone well, John thought, though he had no way of knowing properly since it was his first. But no one had been yelling or gave too much resistance to the ideas put on the table. Captain Crawley had made good arguments and had managed to convince the other men, leading to a fast agreement.
John was impressed by the persuasion's abilities of his superior. Robert may seem awkward and young at first sight, but he was certainly not inexperienced in this rhetoric art John knew little about. John found himself admiring the young officer standing before him. He was wearing his uniform and was shaking the hands of the older men who were leaving his quarters. When the last man left, he went to pour himself some alcohol contained in a flask.
"Sit down, please, Bates" he said to him, with his back still turned. He poured a second glass of the brown liquor and came round his desk. He handed it to John who hesitated.
"Take it, lad. It won't hurt you. It's the finest of brandy, given to me by my wife on our second daughter's birth" he said, putting it in front of John before sitting in his chair.
Robert took a sip and made a sign with his head to encourage John to do the same. He had never drank alcohol before other than cheap beer. The liquid touched his lips and slowly burned his throat in a reconforting manner. The sweet taste left in his mouth called for another sip. This time John drank a big gulp.
"Easy, soldier! This isn't some cheap ale you buy in the pub. A couple of glasses of this and you're done for the night." Robert told him, chuckling.
Bates' cheeks reddened again, ashamed. He put the glass down.
"I wanted to know what you thought of the meeting," Robert inquired.
"I was impressed with the way you convinced the other officers, sir. Your arguments were all very good."
Robert noticed the way John lowered his eyes.
"There's a but, isn't it?" said Robert with a grin forming on his lips.
John ran his tongue on his lower lip before regaining his composure.
"Aye, sir. It's not very important, but, I couldn't help but wonder when you talked about doing the attack on the Boer camp by entering by the South. Wouldn't it be as dangerous as getting in by the main entrance when there's a watchtower facing the south?"
Robert scratched his chin pensively for a few seconds.
"It is very true, Bates. Would you have any suggestions?"
John was taken by surprise that a commanding officer would ask his own opinion on a matter as important as this.
"Well, sir, why not enter by the West side? It seems to be a quiet area, away from the watchtower and the tents of the Boers. We could manage to penetrate the camp without alarming them right away, giving us a good advantage."
"Well, Bates, it is for me to be impressed by your observation and tactics. Most of the men standing here a few minutes ago were probably already serving His Majesty when you were still in your mother's apron and they did not notice this point." said Robert. He rose to his feet, extending his hand to him. "Well done. I shall report this change in the plan tomorrow, first thing in the morning. For now, time to rest, Private. I've kept you long enough and I wouldn't want our most valuable soldier to be too tired."
They shook hands and John headed for the door.
"Oh, Bates!" Robert called after him. "Before you go," he motioned towards the library, "I wanted you to have this." He took a book with a golden cover from the shelves before handing it to John.
"Sir, I couldn't accept…"
"Nonsense!" Robert interrupted him. "Take it, lad. You cannot refuse an attempt at an apology."
John slowly took the book, admiring the fine red letters, reading 'The Red Badge of Courage'.
"I have misjudged you, Bates, and for that I am sorry. Please, take this book and accept my apology."
"Thank you, sir. But there is nothing to forgive, truly. You were only doing your duty."
They smiled at each other, and John left Robert alone in his office.